A library book borrowed in 1949 has finally made its way back to Norfolk County Council, after turning up in an attic.

The book, The Devil Held the Aces by Patrick Doncaster, was handed in to a member of the council’s mobile library service last week after it was found in the attic.

Pictures posted on Facebook showed the book came from the Mile Cross branch in Norwich and was stamped with the date 10 October 1949.

The rules at the front of the book stated that items were issued for 14 days.

The council said the overdue fine at the time was 1d per week, known then as a penny. Adjusted for inflation, it estimated the fine would be about £800 today, but said it would waive the charge on this occasion.

Now, the fine for an overdue book taken out by an adult is 20p per day, capped at £5.60 after 28 days.

Will Buhler, mobile libraries manager at the council, said: “This return definitely caught us by surprise, but in the very best way.

“We like to think it’s had quite the life wherever it’s been tucked away, whether that’s an attic box or a well-loved bookshelf.

“It’s lovely to finally welcome it home.”

The library spokesperson said two eager readers had already reserved the book since its return.

The wartime work was the first novel published by author and journalist Doncaster.

The library service said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve had a book returned to us after many years, though.”

It said a Peter Rabbit book was returned in 2018 after being 49 years overdue.

Shortly after that, it said another book was found under floorboards during a house renovation that had been due back in November 1928.

“It really is a good thing we don’t charge interest on our fines,” the library service added.

Read more from BBC News.